The Five Fast Foods You Should Never Eat
“Honey, I’m going to get a salad and then go to the gym at lunch. Do you know where my fanny pack is?”
Our intentions are spot on. But our dirty little secret is we like to grab a fast-food lunch now and again…or now and tomorrow. Gildshire Magazine will never judge. But we set out on the road to find the five fast foods you should never eat from both a health and money standpoint. But first…
Why Fast Food Is Bad For You
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High calorie content: Fast food is often high in calories, which can lead to weight gain and obesity if consumed in excess.
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High in unhealthy fats: Many fast food items are high in unhealthy fats like saturated and trans fats, which can increase your risk of heart disease and other health problems.
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High in sodium: Fast food is often high in sodium, which can contribute to high blood pressure and increase your risk of heart disease and stroke.
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Low in nutrients: Fast food is often low in important nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and fiber, which can lead to nutrient deficiencies and other health problems.
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High in sugar: Many fast food items are high in added sugars, which can contribute to weight gain, tooth decay, and other health problems.
Taco Bell’s Grilled Stuffed Burrito
Taco Bells may be shaped like little missions, but there is nothing holy about the Grilled Stuft Burrito. At 880 calories and 2080 milligrams of sodium (2100 is a day’s worth) this baby is a nightmare. It should be more filling than it is. So you’re at 1/3 of your daily calorie intake, at your daily salt intake, and considering ordering a second one!
Burger King Double Whopper/W Cheese
You can spend more on other items at BK but for pure lunacy, without the protein of the triple you can’t beat the Double Whopper. The Double Whopper has 100 more calories than the Stuft Burrito yet contains one gram less of actual food. Fat is the culprit in the Double Whopper. The double w/cheese boasts 56 grams of fat. Your daily recommended total is 55.
The Five Fast Foods You Should Never Eat
Pizza Hut Meaty P’Zone
Now we are entering the expensive side of the street. A P’Zone, according to Pizza Hut, only has 680 calories per serving. So why does it rate worse than the offerings above from Taco Bell and Burger King? Because Pizza Hut tells us that a serving is only half of a P’Zone. Maybe, if you’re not eating alone, but the person who saves half of a P’Zone for later really might be someone who would get a salad and go to the gym.
Wendy’s Baconator
Bacon served for generations as a breakfast meat, made a mid-day and evening renaissance about nine years ago. Leading the charge was Wendy’s Baconator. The bacon monstrosity costs just less than the P’Zone. It packs a punch at 960 calories with the bonus (due to Wendy’s premium bun) containing 41 carbs as well. So it is bad for the weight conscious and bad for a diabetic as well. Unlike a couple of others on our list, though, it will fill you up. It fills you so well; you may need a nap.
Hardee’s/Carl’s Jr Monster Thickburger
Doesn’t the name just radiate excess and manliness? The Thickburger has a day and a half worth of sodium (almost 3,000 grams) and 1300 calories! $6.01 (including tax) without fries, a drink, or heart paddles.
Lunch is on you, friend. Gildshire Magazines hopes that none of these lunches will be going IN you. But, what are the best alternatives to fast food.
Healthier Alternatives To Fast Food
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Home-cooked meals: Preparing meals at home using fresh, whole ingredients is a great way to ensure you’re getting a balanced and nutritious diet.
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Healthy fast-casual restaurants: Many fast-casual restaurants offer healthier options like salads, grain bowls, and lean protein sources like grilled chicken or tofu.
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Meal kit delivery services: Meal kit delivery services like HelloFresh, Blue Apron, and Plated offer pre-measured ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes for healthy, home-cooked meals.
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Healthy frozen meals: There are many frozen meals on the market that are low in calories and high in nutrients, such as Lean Cuisine and Healthy Choice.
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Pre-prepared meal delivery services: Services like Freshly, Snap Kitchen, and Factor offer healthy, pre-prepared meals that can be delivered to your door.
